DOT Required Observed Collections

DOT Requires you to Notify the Driver for an Immediate Observed Collection without any Prior Notice.  The Collector (Same Gender as Driver) must accompany the Driver into the restroom and directly watch the urine stream go from the Driver’s body into the Collection Container.

Ordering Drug Tests Online (Observed) Click Here

Please see below for DOT's Requirements for DOT Drug Testing.  Members are Required to Order Drug Tests Online in your Express Labs Account.  Only use the Paper Quest Forms for Emergencies or if you can not Order Online.  After Enrolling, Express Labs does not accept Drug Test Results from other Companies.

1. Login to your Express Labs Account .
2. Go to Order Drug Tests on the Top Left Tabs
3. Select the Reason-for-Testing (Return-to-Duty or Follow-Up)
4. Choose a Collection Site (Enter Zip Code)
5. Click Complete Order to Order the Drug Test
6. QPassport: You will receive the QPassport in your Email from Quest within 1 Hour

• Driver Instructions - Drivers must bring the QPassport (printed or on phone) to the Selected Site
• Arrival at Collection Site - Collector Scans the QPassport Barcode upon arrival
• Receive Results - Drug Test Results are Emailed and Posted to your Account by Express Labs MRO

Call the Collection Site to Confirm they are Open

• Call the Collection Site to Confirm they are Open and Confirm they have a Collector who is the Same Gender who can perform an Observed Collection before Notifying the Driver

What does "Get Tested Immediately" mean?

DOT Requires Drivers to Get Tested Immediately when Notified without any Prior Notice.  Immediately means once a Driver is Notified, All the Driver's actions must lead to an Immediate Collection.  Once a DOT-Regulated Driver is Notified—Meaning they are Aware DOT Requires an Immediate Observed Collection—They are Not Permitted to Operate a Commercial Motor Vehicle, except to get Tested, until the Required Test has been Completed.

• DOT's Policy: "What happens if a Driver Refuses-to-Test" - Click Here
• Refusal-to-Test Instructions - Click Here

What is Abnormal PH?

In a DOT Drug Test, an Abnormal PH Level in a Urine Sample could indicate that the Sample has been Adulterated or Substituted with another Substance.  Urine pH measures the Acidity or Alkalinity of Urine, with a Normal Range of 4.5 to 8

• Abnormal pH levels outside this Range could be a sign of Tampering or Dilution
• Adulteration or Substitution of Urine Samples is a Common Practice among Drivers attempting to Cheat a Drug Test
• Therefore, an Abnormal PH Level in a DOT Drug Test could result in Retesting the Driver under Direct Observation, to ensure the Accuracy and Validity of the Results

What is Immunoassay Interference?

In a DOT Immunoassay Interference with Creatinine Levels can occur due to various factors.  Creatinine is a waste product produced by muscle metabolism and is typically measured in urine to assess kidney function and to detect dilution attempts in Drug Tests.  Immunoassays are commonly used in Drug Testing to detect the Presence of Specific Drugs or their Metabolites.  Interference with Creatinine Levels in Immunoassays can lead to False-Positive or False-Negative Results in Drug Tests.  Some Substances may Interfere with Creatinine Measurements in Immunoassays Include:

• High Creatinine Levels: Extremely high Creatinine levels in Urine can sometimes interfere with the immunoassay process, leading to inaccurate Results
• Low Creatinine Levels: Conversely, very low levels of Creatinine in urine may also cause interference, potentially leading to false-negative results
• Medications: Certain medications or drugs can interfere with creatinine measurements or the immunoassay process itself
• Metabolites: Some substances or their metabolites may cross-react with the immunoassay reagents, leading to false-positive results
• Therefore, Immunoassay Interference in a DOT Drug Test could result in Retesting the Driver under Direct Observation, to ensure the Accuracy and Validity of the Results

What is Invalid Creatinine?

In a DOT Drug Test, Invalid Creatinine means the Creatinine Level in the Urine Sample is Unusual or Out-of-Range. Creatinine is a Waste Product from Muscles and helps verify if the Urine Sample is Legitimate.  Here’s what it might mean:

• Dilution: A very Low Creatinine Level can Indicate the Urine was Diluted, possibly to hide Drug use.
• Substitution: It might suggest the Urine is not Genuine, like if someone used someone else's Urine or a Fake Sample
• Therefore, an Invalid Creatinine Level in a DOT Drug Test could result in Retesting the Driver under Direct Observation, to ensure the Accuracy and Validity of the Results

What is Bottle A & Bottle B - Different Physical Appearance:?

• In a DOT Drug Test, when a urine specimen is collected, it is split into two separate bottles labeled Bottle A (or Primary) and Bottle B (or Split Specimen).  Both bottles are sealed and sent to a laboratory, but only Bottle A is tested initially.  If Bottle A and Bottle B have noticeable physical differences, it may indicate a problem with the collection process.  A different physical appearance may suggest Tampering or contamination.  Therefore, BOTTLE A & BOTTLE B - DIFFERENT PHYSICAL APPEARANCE in a DOT Drug Test could result in Retesting the Driver under Direct Observation, to ensure the Accuracy and Validity of the Results

What is Temperature-out-of-Range?

For a DOT Drug Test, the Temperature of the Urine Sample is a crucial factor in ensuring its Validity.  The Acceptable Temperature Range for a Urine Sample is between 90°F to 100°F (32°C to 38°C) at the time of Collection.  This Temperature Range is considered Normal Body Temperature and is necessary to indicate that the Sample is Fresh and hasn't been Tampered with or Substituted.

• If the Temperature of the Urine Sample falls Outside this Range, it could raise Suspicions of Tampering, Dilution, or Substitution, Potentially Invalidating the Test. Therefore, if the Sample's Temperature is Below 90°F or Above 100°F, the Driver will be asked to provide a 2nd Sample under Direct Observation
• If the Driver leaves the Collection Site after the Collection Process has Started, this is a Refusal to Complete the Test. Refusal-to-Test is treated similarly to a Positive Test Result
• Therefore, a Temperature-out-of-Range in a DOT Drug Test could result in Retesting the Driver under Direct Observation, to ensure the Accuracy and Validity of the Results

What is Specific Gravity?

The Urine Sample provided by the Driver does not meet the Required Specific Gravity Range set by DOT Regulations.  Specific Gravity measures the Concentration of Substances Dissolved in the Urine.  It indicates the Sample's Density compared to pure water and helps assess whether the Sample has been Diluted or Tampered with.  Results Outside this Range may Indicate:

• Dilution: The Urine Sample may have been Intentionally or Unintentionally Diluted, possibly to hide Drug use
• Adulteration: Substances may have been added to the Sample to Alter Test Results
• Therefore, an Invalid Result for Specific Gravity in a DOT Drug Test could result in Retesting the Driver under Direct Observation to rule out Tampering or Dilution

What is an Observed Collection?

• The Collector (Same Gender as Driver) accompanies the Driver into the restroom.  The Collector must directly watch the urine stream go from the Driver’s body into the Collection Container.  The Driver must raise their shirt above the navel and lower clothing to mid-thigh to ensure no devices are used to cheat the test.  The Collector signs Documentation confirming the process was completed according to DOT guidelines

What if an Employer Fails to Notify a Driver for a DOT-Required Observed Collection?

• Violation: Failing to ensure the Driver completes a required Observed Re-Collection after an invalid Result is a Violation of DOT Regulations.
• Fine: Up to $12,000 per Violation
• Regulation: 49 CFR § 40.65(b)(1) and § 382.507

Explanation: If a Laboratory Reports an Invalid Result the Medical Review Officer (MRO) will cancel the test and require an Immediate Observed Re-Collection.  The Employer must Notify the Driver Promptly. Failing to do so Violates DOT Testing Protocol.